Prepare for Winter Checklist

There’s a nip in the air which means winter will arrive soon.  Before the weather turns too cold, take some time to do the following important home maintenance tips.  By investing a few hours now, you may end up saving yourself money down the road.

Outside:
- Maintain your gutters.  Remove all debris so water can properly drain.  Clogged gutters can cause damage to landscaping, lawn & shrubbery, walls, foundation and basements.  

- Trim your trees and remove dead branches.  Winter weather can cause weak trees or branches to break & damage your home, car, utility lines or someone walking on your property.

- Maintain your steps and handrails.  Keep a supply of ice melt, a shovel and broom where they can be easily reached.

- Inspect your roof for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing or loose mortar around the chimney.

- Locate & shut off the water to outside faucets.  Remove all hoses from outside faucets; drain & store.

- Clean the debris and leaves from your lawn.  This prevents mold and disease from developing and reduces the chances of insects over-wintering.

- Leave at least 2” of grass the last time you mow your lawn.

- Mulch tender plants and bulbs.  Leaves are an excellent source of insulation for your tender plants; and as they decompose, they will add nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil.

Inside:
- Check your homes insulation in the attic as well as basement and crawl space.

- Clean permanent furnace filters; replace paper or disposable filters. Do this monthly through the winter season. 

- Call to schedule your annual heating system maintenance check.  If you’re a Planned Maintenance Agreement customer, we’ll be calling to schedule this money and energy saving check.  

- Check all fixtures and toilets to see if there are any leaks; repair immediately to save money and water.

- Daylight savings time ends October 31; remember to turn your clocks back one hour.

- Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you don’t have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Get them now.  They could save your life.

- Learn how to shut the water off and know where your main shut-off is located.  Check all shut-off valves to your plumbing fixtures. Make sure they are in proper working order.  

- Replace rubber washer hoses with stainless steel.

- Remember to change your return vents.  For the heating season, close the top vent and open the bottom.